Remarks by His Excellency,
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR On the Occasion of the
Ground-Breaking Ceremony of the 2nd Niger Bridge at Onitsha
Monday 10th March, 2014
PROTOCOLS
1. It is always a great pleasure to be in this our historic city of
Onitsha. In August 2012, I was here to inspect and commission the Onitsha
Inland River Port Complex, which followed the dredging of the River Niger.
2. On my last visit, just few weeks ago, I promised to return shortly,
and in keeping with that promise, I am here today for the ground-breaking
ceremony of the construction of the 2nd Niger bridge.
3. You will recall that during my electoral campaigns in 2011, I
promised the good people of the South-East that if elected President, I would
ensure that the 2nd River Niger Bridge, is constructed.
4. Today, I have come, as your President, to flag-off of this vital
Bridge project, in order to move that solemn pledge, from sincere promise to
concrete reality.
5. As part of our administration's Transformation Agenda in the road
sector, we have set out to construct two very important new bridges, across our
Nation's two great rivers - the River Niger and River Benue. These are the
Loko-Oweto Bridge linking Nassarawa and Benue States, which is progressing
satisfactorily, and this 2nd Niger Bridge, connecting Anambra and Delta States.
6. The 2nd Niger Bridge, whose foundation we are laying today,
represents a strategic national infrastructure, with great socio-economic
prospects for the contiguous States, and indeed, for the entire Nation. It is
an important economic artery that will connect the great markets of Onitsha and
Aba, as well as the industrial hub of Nnewi and beyond, to both the Northern
and Southern parts of our country.
7. On completion, this bridge, which is being constructed almost 50
years after the existing bridge opened to traffic, will alleviate the pains
experienced by travellers as a result of congestion of the old bridge,
particularly during festive periods. It will massively improve road
transportation in the South-East of Nigeria, and also reduce travel times
substantially, in this part of the country.
8. This project has been programmed in strict compliance with the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission Act, and the Public Procurement Act. No stone has been left unturned in ensuring the success of the project, considering the several unsuccessful attempts by past administrations to deliver this vital bridge.
9. The Federal Government is executing this project under a Public
Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement for a concession period of 25 years,
precisely, through a ‘Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT)’
model. We are confident in the capacity and competence of the Concessionaire,
Messrs Julius Berger-NSIA Consortium, to deliver on this project, at the
construction cost of about N117 Billion Naira.
10. To facilitate timely delivery, the Federal Government has made a commitment to contribute 25% of the construction cost, in the sum of N30 Billion.
11. Let me commend Governor Peter Obi, whose tenure ends in a few days,
Governor Uduaghan, and all the people and host communities, for their patience,
understanding, support and cooperation in the realisation of the commencement
of this project.
12. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, as we commemorate our centenary
of nationhood, it is my firm belief that this bridge will deepen national
integration and also enhance economic and social interaction among other parts
of our country and the South-East.
13. Next week Monday, in Abuja, I shall be inaugurating the National
Conference, and it seems appropriate that this bridge, and the Conference, two
major emblems of National cohesion, are being inaugurated within the same
period. I would like to assure you all that every effort will be made to ensure
that this 2nd Niger Bridge is delivered.
14. Your Excellencies, Royal Highnesses, distinguished ladies and
gentlemen, it is now my honour to flag-off the construction works of the 2nd
Niger Bridge for the benefit of our great Nation.
15. I thank you.
Sorry pls I don't understand is he saying the construction of the bridge will take a period of 25yrs?
ReplyDeleteNo, bros. It is the concession arrangement between FG and Julius Berger (JB) that will last for 25 yrs. The concession arrangement include Design, Build, Finanance, Operate, and then Transfer. What that means is that if for instance it takes Julius Berger 5 yrs to complete the Designing and Construction of the bridge, Julius berger will still have to oversee the maintenance, financing, and operation of the bridge for the next 20 more yrs before handing it over to the FG. During this period, JB would have re-cooped their investment in the project through so many means which may or may not necessarily have a direct effect on the users of the bridge. I believe I have tried to throw a little light on the concession arrangement. Pls parliementarians enlighten us the more where need be.
DeleteYou got it wrong my bros, with the concession, FG will support Julius Berger with 25% of the N117 billion which is N30 Billion, and the rest will be provided by Julius berger, then they will Design, Build, Finance, Operate and then Transfer, i.e. the design will be carried out by JB, same as Build, same as Finance the balance of N87 Billion, the collect revenues on the bridge by way of putting (tall-gates) and every user pays (operate) and all these will happen in a period of 25 years starting from today and then they will transfer it back to FG. But to me personally it's a good effort by the federal govt. but why concession? FG should have paid for this bridge without concession so that nigerians may use it free of charge.
DeleteThat is my presido in action! This man's achievement has supercede the achievement of all the past head of states put together. Where others have failed, Jona has succeeded, where others have stumbled GEJ has walked tall with pride. That's why they are jealous of him and pretend as if all is gloomy. You are really a Good Luck to our dear nation. Nobody knows it all, nobody is perfect but with little you have done so far, God will always be with you. Jona all the way to 2019. End of discussion, no story. Long life Nigeria !!!!!
ReplyDeleteSo why can't Julia Berger go into a life time concession with all Nigerian roads. Is he saying that fg can't build naija bridge without consession. 20 billion dollars can build 10 bridges
ReplyDeleteWell done my president,ur the best so far!we will say a proper thanks in 2015
ReplyDeleteGbam! Promise made, promised kept. Now where re those Goodluck Jonathan's critiques in the house?
ReplyDeletelonglife Mr JonAthan. U r. Man of ur words.we cn wait 2 March u in next yrs kudos 2 all d gud ppl of
ReplyDeleteanambra